He shot a man to death in 1979. He’s been denied parole for sixth time

A man once sentenced to death after killing a man in a botched robbery in 1979 has been denied parole for the sixth time.

Raymond Chavez killed 52-year-old Joe Mossa outside his Visalia home on Aug. 26 of that year after a night of drinking, according to the Tulare County District Attorney’s office.

In a news release, the DA’s office described the crime:

Chavez and four friends were in two cars when they encountered Mossa and his wife, Ruth, loading their car with luggage and blocked the couple’s car front and back.

At gunpoint, Chavez pointed a gun at the head of Joe Mossa and demanded the couple’s valuables. Dissatisfied with $150, the group demanded entry to the car, but were denied by locked doors and windows. Mossa tried to drive off, but was shot in the head by Chavez.

Chavez and the other suspects were arrested on Aug. 29 and Chavez was identified as the killer by the husband’s widow.

Chavez, now 64, was convicted of murder in 1981 with special circumstances and sentenced to death because the murder involved use of a firearm during a robbery. He was re-sentenced to 27-years-to-life on appeal.

His latest parole hearing was held March 6 at Corcoran State Prison. The denial is for three years.

The DA’s office said Chavez has significant gang ties.

This story was originally published March 18, 2019 at 11:28 AM.